When's best to start maternity leave?

[bippitybopityboo]

I know everyone is different but just wanted to know when most take their maternity I didn't want to go too soon or leave it too late. I'm 25+6 and taking my leave form to work today, I have asked for 2 weeks leave prior to my mat leave, I was thinking of going off for my 2 weeks leave on 17th June And taking my leave from 1st July or going off on 24th a week later. My due date is 13th july
I want as much time wih baby as possible however have just been diagnosed with PGP and dint want to struggle. Any advice welcome ☺

I would say make sure you leave enough time to rest and do things that you may not get to do again for a long time.

I had my last day in work and was taken into hospital that night and gave birth 2 days later. I definitely don't recommend that.

I'll be finishing at 30 weeks, but that's mainly because I am a contractor and that's when my contract is due to end - didn't really see a point in extending it as I would only have gone maybe a month longer (train and tube to commute to London).

Looking forward to some 'lady of leisure' time and the opportunity to get everything sorted out before sprog arrives.

My work involved long shifts on different acute psych units, and long commutes - therefore I had wrapped up most of it by 32 weeks. I was still doing the odd day until 35 weeks but by then really had enough. I think although my work had a physical element which could be adjusted it was the mental strain that did it for me. Could just be me personally of course but by that stage of the game I was feeling very protective of bump and not very tolerant, let alone caring towards patients, which doesn't tally well in my line of work! Really think it depends on what you do, however I would say at 37 weeks (measuring 39) I find it hard to sit comfortably on a sofa and would certainly struggle with a commute and being behind a desk let alone anything more physical.

I think it depends on th ejob and you, what other responsibilities/ stresses you have at home,. anmd of course how tyour pregnancy is going.

I have a sedentary/ desk based job with some flexibility as to when I start and finish, 20 minute walk as a commute, for any meetings my clients will come out me. Thankfully I'm fit as a flea and have had a great pregnancy, and I have a supportive DP and no other kids, so I'm working up to 38 weeks. I'll be having baby at 39 weeks (section or induction, depending on various factors). A week will give me enough time to relax/ faff/ get my hair done but not long enough to make me start doing daft things and buying shit we don't need, which I am prone to do if left unchecked for too long

Some serious TYPING FAILS there- maybe I should knock off work a bit earlier after all

I'm a childminder and finish work on Friday when I'll be just over 36 weeks. I did intend to carry on until the 1st May bank holiday (due 5th May) but am being induced on the 17th April instead. I must admit that I'm quite relieved that I'll have a week off before baby comes as I'm feeling fairly tired now.

I handed in my forms I have gone for 2 weeks leave from 17th June and will start mu mat leave on 1st July. I have hopefully given myself lots of time to get sorted.
Thankyou for all your advice ladies.

TheGreaterGood aww heyy gestation buddie here's to a happy healthy 3.5 more months

First time I finished at 37 weeks...baby was overdue by 10 days but I didn't regret leaving early as I taught 5 year olds and commuted quite far.

This time I left much earlier at 32 weeks due to pgp, having a toddler, long commute plus hyperemesis. Also I quit so doesn't really matter. Wanted to stop at 35 weeks but in hindsight it was a brilliant choice as since leaving I've had 3 hospital admissions for preterm labour scares and a hyperemesis flare up...plus I've been put on bed rest. Go when you feel it's right for you.

I'm due 8th July and will be going on mat leave at 34 weeks. I'm 26 weeks now and already feel myself slowing down loads!! I'm desk based but my job is stressful with a long commute so want time at home before baby arrives for me time

Like Mankinnonka, I will be going at 30 weeks. I have a very stressful job and a long commute, which would mean living away from DH during the week, and I am going as early as I can. I am going to take unpaid leave at the end so I have the full year with the baby and will be saving hard over the coming months to be able to afford this.

I meant mackinnonka!

The only time I've taken official leave I left when 38 weeks

Since then I've worked to day before delivery but that's because I'm self employed and work from home.

My eye definitely comes off the ball from 30 weeks and my judgement suffers so I have to be really careful. If I were in an employee role I'd leave it at 35/36 weeks

First time around I didn't get to go on maternity leave, as my DD was born prematurely. I really don't recommend that, I was exhausted at the start of my three day labour so imagine how I felt at the end? We weren't sorted for the baby either so we had to do lots of shopping and washing as well as the usual newborn stuff. I really resented not having a bit of time to myself before the baby came and got jealous when I heard about people who were bored of waiting for the baby to come.

Second time around I went off at 36 weeks, and had the baby at 38 weeks. Two weeks off was perfect. Time to prepare for the baby but I hadn't had time to get bored. Although half of that time I had my toddler to look after so thinking about it I only had five actual days off!